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Sheer window shades on bedroom windows

Should You Pick Light Filtering Or Room Darkening Window Shades In Chicago?

May 16, 2024

When selecting window shades, you have to consider more than how they look. Window shades help you control the amount of outside light that is brought into your space. The proper shades will make it easy to immerse a room with sunlight or block it almost entirely. You merely need to figure out what you want in your space. As soon as you know the amount of light you want, it’s straightforward to determine if you should get room darkening or light filtering window shades in Chicago.

Light Filtering Window Shades Vs. Room Darkening Shades In Chicago

An illustration of five light filtering options for window shades

Window shades control the light in a room in various ways. First of all, you can raise them to permit light or close them to impede it. Motorized shades of all varieties make controlling sunlight levels as simple as pressing a button! You can also select top-down/bottom-up shades that permit you to uncover the upper part of a window for outside light but keep the lower portion covered for privacy.

Shade thickness matters, too. Denser room darkening shades keep out most daylight when closed. Light-filtering window shades allow some light through their thinner fabric. Whether you select room darkening or light filtering window shades in Chicago is dependent on your particular preferences and objectives for the room.

There are differing levels of opacity or light allowance. Shades vary from sheer—with a lack of privacy and very little light blockage—to room darkening that prevent practically all exterior light.

When To Choose Light Filtering Window Shades

White translucent shades on a tall living room window

Many Chicago homeowners want to enjoy extertior light in their living areas. Sunshine is a terrific source of warmth and free light. It will enliven a gloomy area and engergize you. You might even have an animal who likes to lie under a sun-filled window.

Light filtering window shades let in just enough sunlight for you to benefit from it. Their thin material filters intense sun rays as they light up an interior. You may select light filtering shades in any room where you want exterior light without having bare windows. They’re excellent for high-traffic spots like a family room or kitchen. Or put them on north-facing or shaded windows that don’t receive a lot of hot sunlight.

When To Pick Room Darkening Window Shades

Sheer window shades on bedroom windows

It’s sensible to use room darkening shades in Chicago whenever you want to do precisely that: darken a room. You don’t always want exterior light shining through your windows. Use room darkening shades in bedrooms to keep light from disturbing your sleep. Or, place them in your media room to keep glare off the screen. You might also want room darkening shades in very sunny rooms that overheat easily. While room darkening shades don’t stop UV rays as well as solid window treatments like interior shutters, they still do the job well and bring style to your windows

When To Incorporate Both Light Filtering and Room Darkening Shades

You aren’t required to pick between room darkening and light filtering shades. If you wish to have both options in a single room, go for it! It’s normal to place a room darkening shade behind a more sheer shade in one window. This layering gives you a way to get filtered light AND room darkening whenever you want it. And integrating these shades together provides your window a unique look.

Just talk to your local Sunburst Shutters window treatment professional about putting in room darkening shades at the rear of a more sheer shade. By doing so, you may lower whichever shade you require at the moment.

Find The Right Window Shades At Sunburst Shutters

Light filtering or room darkening shades? No matter what type of window shade you need, Sunburst Shutters Chicago is here to help. Our impressive assortment of shades and other window treatments has an option for any Chicago residence. Reach out to 847-250-6544 or fill out the form on this page to request a no-cost in-home consultation today. We’ll meet at your home to show you our products and help you find the perfect window treatments for your home.